This fund, originally created in 1995, was established as an endowment in 1999 upon receipt of a bequest from the estate of Marie T. Leifheit (1922-1998).
It was Mrs. Leifheit’s wish to provide a perpetual charitable vehicle for the support of the Aurora Police Department as a memorial to her husband Captain Lester H. Leifheit.
Captain Leifheit (1921-1983) joined the Aurora Police Department in 1949. He was promoted to sergeant in 1957, lieutenant in 1965 and captain in 1972.
Captain Leifheit was commander of both the Field Services Bureau and the Administrative Bureau. He retired after serving the Aurora Police Department for thirty-three years.